France captain Hugo Lloris has said that Les Bleus’ win over Argentina gave them the belief that they could go on to win the 2018 World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ side secured an exciting 4-3 win over the Argentines in the round of 16 stage and they thereafter managed to maintain their composure to secure a second World Cup crown.

Speaking to Omnisport, Lloris highlighted the Argentina win as the key moment which made them realise that they could end their trophy wait, he said: “We got the best of Argentina… of Messi's Argentina. It made us realise we have the potential to go through. Every game was difficult, but we did really well. We could feel a very strong team ready for the challenges ahead. We faced challenges after challenges following that game until the final victory. Every game was difficult, but we did really well.”

Following the World Cup, France were rewarded with a parade through Paris to celebrate the triumph and the players have since departed for their respective vacations before returning to club duty. Meanwhile, Les Bleus’ next main target should lie on competing for the European crown in a couple of years but they can expect a stiffer challenge than what they received at the recent World Cup.

A number of top European countries including Germany and Spain were a disappointment at the recent tournament but they could be fancied to make amends at the Euros. On the other hand, Argentina have gone through a difficult phase where they have struggled to win any major silverware but they have the opportunity to rectify their shortcomings next summer where they are scheduled to take part in the Copa America. Argentina have managed to reach the final of the Copa America in the previous two editions where they have lost out to Chile on penalties.